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Emergency response exercise drills will be taking place at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, as the airport will serve as the staging area for the Triennial Aircraft Disaster Exercise.

The exercise is a mandatory certification requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration, which tests airfield disaster preparedness and response by simulating a full-scale aircraft emergency disaster. The exercise tests and evaluates the operational capacity of emergency response in a stress environment.

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters cart a simulated victim to the triage area as part of the Triennial Aircraft Disaster Exercise. HDOT Photo

The multi-agency exercise from 8 a.m. to noon will utilize student and teacher volunteers from the West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy who will act as injured passengers.

Flight operations will continue as normal during the exercise with no impact to scheduled flights.
HDOT alerts the public there will be realistic scenarios portraying injured people on the airport property and may include fire, fire suppression, rescue, triage, treatment and transportation using emergency response vehicles.

10 tropical storm evacuation shelters will open on Oahu at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. Residents who feel that their home or place of residence may not be safe can utilize one of these locations as a refuge from severe weather and high surf.

These shelters, operated by the American Red Cross, provide only emergency refuge. You must bring all of your supplies with you including food, water, other emergency needs as well as bedding or a cot to sleep on. For the safety and security of evacuees Red Cross shelters do not allow smoking, guns, drugs, alcohol or other hazardous items.

Those on medication should bring a 7-10 day supply of medication. Diabetics should bring their medication and glucometers. Those with respiratory issues should bring inhalers and nebulizers. As with all other evacuees, those on special diets should bring their own food.

In addition these shelters will accommodate pets. Pet owners must provide a solid sided pet carrier or cage for each pet, food, water and sanitation supplies. In addition owners will be expected to assist in the care of their pets.

The following are the Oahu evacuation shelters that will open at 3:00 p.m.

Disaster Services worker Court Ogilvie (in Washington, DC – our headquarters) talks about the preparations we make for any impending storm and the specific challenges a possible hurricane in Hawaii brings.